Alternative Energy Solutions Of the Piedmont

LED Lights

aesopenergyoptions — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:51:33 +0000

Now that you replaced the old incandescent light bulbs for the more energy efficiency CFLs, I now want to introduce you to an even better lighting solution. LED lights and tubes! LED lighting is starting to arrive in the U.S. after having much success in Australia, China, Japan, and the European nations. LED lights consume up to 90% less electricity than incandescents, 50% – 75% less than flourescents and CFLs. LED light lifespan is typically 50,000 – 100,000 hours with many coming with 1 year warranties (LED tubes – 5 year warranty!). Another factor of LED lighting is the reduced heat emanation thus reducing the load on air conditioning units and systems. Benefits include High Brightness, Easy Installation, Extended Life, Humidity/Moisture Resistant, Energy Saving, Simple Retrofit, Ballast is Bypassed, Instant On, No Mercury content, No Radio Frequency Interference, No Buzzing, and No Flickering.

Grid-Tie Solar Electric (PV)

aesopenergyoptions — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:34:40 +0000

Solar Panel

Net Metering

Solar PV (Photovoltaics), aka solar electric, has the ability to harness the sun’s energy and convert it to DC electric current. The DC current then can be inverted to AC current to run your household electrical needs. Grid-tie systems are the most common and cost effective systems placed into service. Grid-tie PV systems tie into a bi-directional meter that will spin backwards if you produce more than you are consuming providing “power credits”. Basically, a grid-tie system will allow you to offset your purchased power, lower your monthly bills, reduce your environmental impact, conserve electricity during times of heavy loads on the public utility grid, and reduced dependency on foreign fossil fuels.

Solar Hot Water

aesopenergyoptions — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:25:18 +0000

While most people are captivated by the high-tech nature of solar-electric (photovoltaic; PV) systems, in most cases, a solar hot water system will harvest more energy at a substantially lower cost. In fact, compared to PVs, solar hot water (SHW) collectors are more than three times as efficient at producing energy from the sun.

Investing in an SHW system is a smart solar solution for most homeowners and businesses. This proven and reliable technology offers long-term performance with low maintenance. And with federal, state, and utility incentives available, these systems offer a quick payback—in some cases, only three years.

A thoughtfully designed SHW system could provide all, or at least a significant amount, of your household hot water needs for some portion of the year. A typical household using electric water heating can shave 70 to 90 percent off water heating costs. To get the most for your money, you´ll want a properly sized system that offers the best performance in your climate.

Why make the effort to Invest in Green Technology

aesopenergyoptions — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:38:13 +0000

A Green Investment is a long term, no risk investment that protects you from future energy cost increases, saves you money, saves you energy, and empowers you to be “Greener” and environmentally responsible for the health of today’s and tomorrow’s generations.